?? For any PT's out there...

[gidget1978]

I am almost finished a PT course on line. I do need to study for the final exam, which right now when I think about it, its over whelming. Its been so long since I have had to study for a final...and on my own! I did email ICS last night to ask them a few questions. Such as, what was included in my final package. I am really hoping for some studying tips, guidelines and maybe even a practice test of two. Trying to study this time of year is hard with Christmas around the corner. At first I felt totally stressed and then I remembered that I have atleast a year before I HAVE to finish the course. My goal is to be finished by Feb 1st. I wish I could just shut the world off for a week and just dig in. With a family and a full time job, its tough.

Its just so strange not to have a internship I can do or a gym I can chase someone around in for a few days. In the meantime, I have been working out for years. I am not a total loss here and to tell you the truth most of what I already know, I didn't learn from those text books. I have taken on a couple of friends in the meantime. I think my biggest obstacle is telling people that I can only do my part. Whenever anyone talks to me about PT, the first thing that comes out of their mouthes is the amount of weight they need to lose. I can only do my share...meet with some 2-3 x's a week, give them a good workout and hopefully they will follow a healthy eating plan and get some cardio in. If they think working out with me and then doing as they always did will give them results, they will be sadly mistaken. I am just happy that I have enough sense that I am not going to be down on myself when these people don't see results.

My course touched very lightly on designing programs for people. I don't know if I should mix it up all the time or if I should create a few good workouts, touching every body part briefly and then switching it up again? Or am I suppose to give them a different workout EVERY SINGLE TIME? There are soooo many moves out there, sometimes its just mind boggling. Then you have people who aren't in such great shape, they need work from the bottom up. I have enjoyed working out with my friends b/c they take whatever I give them, while another girl likes to sit down in between moves! Or another one thinks that she should be in pain after every workout.........So many misconceptions of working out. Whatever happened to exercise releiving stress? Or lowering blood pressure or helping with diabetes? Does it always have to be about fat magically disappearing over night or not being able to walk after a leg workout?

Anyway....needless to say, I need to find the confidence in myself to push forward. I need to find the time to come up with good routines that will keep people motivated without confusing them. I need to finish my course so I have one more thing behind me. I have been told that I am good at what I do.....finding the balance to feel like I am doing everyone justice and meeting their needs are my priority. I truly love it....right now my head just feels confused......

Are there any good books out there with moves shown and what body part it works? I just feel like I have so many questions and no one to ask them to. I know from past experiences that you learn more as you go along, then you ever would in text books. I am hoping this is the case here

Thanks so much!
Lori Ann

 

[wendygurl]

Lori Ann,
While I'm not a PT, I just wanted to point out that if you go to bodybuilding.com and to the forums, there is one there specifically for PT's. Alot of ppl there helping each other get started and building businesses. I actually have a PT from that site that I am using for online training, since I live to far from any gym that has PT's available. He is giving me knew workouts everyweek and we email all the time. he also designed my nutritional program. I am really enjoying this experience.
His own personal website is www.2020-wellness.com.
I wish you luck!

 

[Stebby]

I'm not a personal trainer myself but I do have some experience with the field, having worked as a group fitness instructor for 23 years, and having hired several PTs to work with me on my own fitness.

Here is what I've found that the best PTs have always done for me.

1. Work with the client to strengthen their core first. Have exercises for the other body parts as well, but keep weights light until the core is good.

2. They do switch the workout up every time. They keep the same basic workout for 4-6 weeks, but every time, they have the client change something - more reps or more weight on a few exercises, or a more advanced version of an exercise if the client is ready for it.

3. Incorporate a good warm-up and flexibility training into each workout. My last trainer had me do the treadmill or stationary bike on my own to start for 5 minutes or so, then worked with me on trunk strength and flexibility exercises with no weight (often using the stability ball). He also had me do a good stretch - some on my own and some assisted - after we completed a major muscle group, before moving on to the next one. I really liked his approach.

4. Every 4-6 weeks, give the client a whole new workout (again, changing it up a little bit each workout). At this time, it's also good to assess the client, relative to the client's stated goals and status the last time an evaluation was done.

Hope that helps a bit. I'm sure the PTs on the forum will have much more advice to give you!

Edited to add: my last PT also had his clients see a nutritionist at the same time - they could either do just one session or buy a series of sessions with the nutritionist. This took the pressure off him to respond to nutrition related queries.



Stebby

 

[handels]

I would recommend picking up the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) Resources for the Personal Trainer. It has a lot of guidelines that are a useful foundation for exercise programming.

I'm a grad student in exercise physiology and I also highly recommend "The Psychology of Exercise" by Lox, Ginis and Petruzzello.

It will help you work with clients who are at different stages of readiness to exercise, will give you a foundation in the psychological benefits of exercise (depression, stress, sleep, body image, etc) and also gives some ideas about interventions and motivation.

The most important thing I've learned in grad school is that everyone is different and you need to work with their personality and preferences. It sounds like you already kind of get that, so that's a great start.

Good luck!

 

[gillianorr]

Hi and welcome to the Fitness Industry! I clearly remember being in your shoes as I prepared to become a Personal Trainer myself...know the hard work will pay off if you stick with it! Here are a few things I recommend...

Take as many classes as you can and observe what you see...I know group ex is very different than PT (I do both) but you will learn a lot by seeing how the human body moves. Additionally, you will learn how people react to various cuing styles many exercises and hopefully proper sequencing of them.

When you do get your own clients train what's in front of you...meaning you can have a wonderful program planned and yet the client presents with a sore ankle or shoulder etc...you need to know enough to work with what shows in any given day. This comes with experience and planning, planning, planning.

Don't sell yourself, or the industry, short. Yes PT costs a lot of money but they are investing in something very important...themselves! Always be prepared and professional; do your part well and at the same time know this is their fitness journey. Ultimitely we are all accountable to ourselves and this is true for your soon to be clients...getting them to change habits can take time and persistence and there will be bumps in the road...stay calm and always act in the best interests of the client. If a situation arises that you are unsure of ask for help...a senior Trainer or your fitness manager can be a place to start for assistance...don't feel you are alone...it is okay not to have all the answers!! Human beings are complicated so there is no way you can expect to know about everything that can go off kilter!

Being nervous is normal for a brand new trainer but know this will subside with time in front of clients...your confidence will build and your business will grow as word of mouth spreads! Just keep an open mind, never tire of being a student of fitness, and a sense of humor is always handy.

Best of Luck to you.
Gillian Orr
Master Trainer
New York Sports Club
gillianorrfitness.wordpress.com

 

[gidget1978]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions...I read every one of them!